‘Face-kinis’ make summer comeback in Qingdao, are still terrifying

After gaining momentum back in 2012, the “face-kini” trend is back in full-covering force this summer as seen on the beaches of Qingdao, Shandong province last Monday. It’s the worst.Often paired with bodysuits and some sort of (seemingly) homemade water glove, the ski mask-esque garments are meant to protect swimmers from sun, jellyfish and the beach’s lingering algae issues.The masks range from 15 to 25 yuan and come in a variety of colors, according to Want China Times. Beach-goers donning the things have in the past been likened to Spanish professional wrestlers, bank robbers and, in our opinion, sand people.Not that the swimmers really give two shits about what equally vitamin-D-deprived blog hermits of the world have to say. Or anyone. “Does it look like I care what people think?” Su Ailing, 57, told the New York Times in an interview two summers back. “The tourists dress skimpy, but we locals know how to protect our skin.”